The chief of Klahoose First Nation says responsible partnerships between Indigenous communities and businesses are crucial as Canada moves towards reconciliation.

James Delorme, who also sits on the BCAFN board of directors, was one of numerous chiefs who signed a memorandum of understanding with the Business Council of BC in September. A few weeks later, the BCAFN announced that a national sustainable economic development strategy is being produced with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

The agreements come during a time of division among Indigenous people in BC, as Premier Christy Clark pushes the approval of controversial extraction projects such as LNG and the Site C dam.

The agreement that the BCAFN signed with the Business Council of BC outlines “economic reconciliation” between the two parties. The council said it builds on numerous economic development agreements between BC First Nations and businesses, including resource extraction projects such as coal and hydroelectric.

But Delorme said after the Sept. 6 signing in Vancouver that it is about more than just  development.

“It’s about us getting that recognition that we’re a part of the process and we’re actually getting a voice in how things are done,” he said. “There’s actually the component of making sure our territories are respected. That’s the biggest piece in all of this.”

On Sept. 27 in Ottawa, the BCAFN announced it was working on a plan that it said will identify First Nations’ “aspirations” and opportunities when it comes to economic development. Both the federal and B.C. governments are supporting the plan, which has been dubbed the National First Nations Economic Development Strategy.

BCAFN Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, who is notoriously business-oriented, said sustainability and consent are crucial when embarking on development projects.

But he also feels communities must “work together to lift our people from poverty. In order to advance reconciliation, we must build bridges.

“We must work together to ensure more positive, constructive and meaningful relationships with government and industry.”

By Cara McKenna

Delorme tells all about BCAFN

Chief James Delorme of Klahoose told his community what the BC Assembly of First Nations was all about after his election to the board of the assembly last year.

In June 2015, with support of the Klahoose council, I was elected to the board of directors for the BC Assembly of First Nations. Since then I have been a part of board meetings and have spoken on behalf of Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson at many events.

Some Klahoose folks have asked me what the BCAFN is all about and how it benefits Klahoose, so I wanted to make this post to give some insight.

My role as board member is to assist Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, my fellow board members and the entire staff at the BCAFN. Since I started working with this great group of leaders, I have learned a vast amount of knowledge in regards to First Nation’s governance, policy, advocacy and national issues.

Specifically, I have been involved representing Chief Shane at the national executive level, spoke at an energy conference, represented BCAFN at last year’s Elders Conference and other board duties, including the general assembly in Nisga’a territory and one of the regional economic planning strategy sessions in Snaw-naw-as territory. Regional Chief Shane has asked me to help with economic development and other files. I have assisted where he needed me.

To answer the question: “How does this work benefit Klahoose?” The answer is very important. The work I do to advocate for the needs of all First Nations in B.C. greatly affects Klahoose in a positive way. At all times I am first, chief of Klahoose, and second, board member of BCAFN. I waste no time making sure everyone knows my allegiance to my people.

My peers have the same responsibility to their nations and they understand. We all have an unspoken respect for each other’s communities. Klahoose’s successes are greatly appreciated by other nations, especially with our green energy run-of-river hydro projects.

My interaction with political leaders – and learning from other nations – helps with development for our people. What this means is the knowledge I have gained is being used for the benefit of Klahoose in areas such as housing, social development, economic development, health, education and culture. We are also making sure our people are not left out of important issues.

Klahoose is in the spotlight with national resource minister Jim Carr wanting to visit our territory, as well as many chiefs and First Nations who either want to do business with Klahoose or, at the very least, learn our ways. Not to mention we had the Regional Chief Gottfriedson visiting Toba Inlet last spring.

Chet em’quinama!
Chief James Delorme